An air of confidence and belief...

[Nic83]

I was watching the game on Sunday and what struck me most was our onfield demeanor.

I've been noticing this quite frequently over the last year or so.

It is actually the first period of time in my days as a supporter that there's been a clear air of confidence and belief flowing through the side.

Under Houllier and the likes, i never got the impression from the lads that they believed that they SHOULD be winning the major competitions and such.

This, IMO, has totally changed now. It is, in the main, down to Rafa.

Obviously the likes of Stevie and Carra always believed in their own ability but now they believe in the ability of the whole squad to achieve great things.

Rafa and his backroom staff have implemented all the tools needed for success.

His managerial style,attention to detail and tactics are brilliant and there for all to see.

Even more importantly, he has brought in the right type of players.

I was watching Momo the other day and he BELIEVED he was the main man in the middle of the park.He was in there with two "supposed" world class players but didn't shirk one challenge.

This can be said for a lot of the signings.

Typical example is Reina. He reminds me of one Peter Schmeicel with his massive presence and his vocal leadership and his sharpness off the line.

Xabi strolls around the centre of the pitch, creating time and space, where there is none.This is the sign of a footballing genius with the utmost inner belief and self confidence.

Then we have the likes of Bellamy who respects everyone but fears Noone.

The whole squad now, is full of players with mountains of belief,passion,desire and ability to win the top prizes in the game.

The boys obviously believe they're are as good anyone so lets hope we can continue on this road and bring home the one we all want THIS year.

[bazza76]

I was watching the game on Sunday and what struck me most was our onfield demeanor. Noticed it myself mate, an air of confidence seemd to surround the team, everyone was working hard and without fear, which is good to see

I've been noticing this quite frequently over the last year or so.

It is actually the first period of time in my days as a supporter that there's been a clear air of confidence and belief flowing through the side.

Under Houllier and the likes, i never got the impression from the lads that they believed that they SHOULD be winning the major competitions and such.As ironic as it sounds, last time i seen such a confidence in the team, it was actually Rafa who ended it, when they totally outplayed us in the champions League, I think we were 7 ****ing 7 points clear with a game in hand and after Valencia outclassed us(or knocjked the confidence out of us) we could buy a win, for something like 12 or 13 games.

This, IMO, has totally changed now. It is, in the main, down to Rafa.

Obviously the likes of Stevie and Carra always believed in their own ability but now they believe in the ability of the whole squad to achieve great things.

Rafa and his backroom staff have implemented all the tools needed for success.

His managerial style,attention to detail and tactics are brilliant and there for all to see.

Even more importantly, he has brought in the right type of players.

I was watching Momo the other day and he BELIEVED he was the main man in the middle of the park.He was in there with two "supposed" world class players but didn't shirk one challenge.
Even with all the players we have signed, im still looking forward to seein Momo play as much as any of them, I think he is going to have a great season this term.
This can be said for a lot of the signings.

Typical example is Reina. He reminds me of one Peter Schmeicel with his massive presence and his vocal leadership and his sharpness off the line.

Xabi strolls around the centre of the pitch, creating time and space, where there is none.This is the sign of a footballing genius with the utmost inner belief and self confidence.

Then we have the likes of Bellamy who respects everyone but fears Noone.

The whole squad now, is full of players with mountains of belief,passion,desire and ability to win the top prizes in the game.

The boys obviously believe they're are as good anyone so lets hope we can continue on this road and bring home the one we all want THIS year.

Am so looking forward to the games getting under way, all the attacking tallent has to bear some fruit. And we have a very solid base to build from, I cant remember ever being this optimistic about then new season, except for around the time we last won the league.

[Nic83]

Am so looking forward to the games getting under way, all the attacking tallent has to bear some fruit. And we have a very solid base to build from, I cant remember ever being this optimistic about then new season, except for around the time we last won the league.

I think most people are sharing that optimism tthis season.

I will actually feel let down a little if we don't finally win it.

[Mumsafan]

We will win it

[Morse]

Nice post flushy.

I am trying to reign in my total faith that we will win it this year.


I am finding it hard.

It will be interesting though, to see the reaction of the fans, manager and players, when we lose our first game.

[Charlie_B]

One of the great things the Utd side had in the 90s was their complete and utter refusal to be beaten. How many times have they scored in the last minute? Or overturned a deficit?

Look at the Chelsea side today. I saw something on SSN saying that once they'd gone behind, they were beaten most of the time.

Rafa has instilled the same belief into our players. So many comebacks of note, some famous, some not.

He also has us the same watertight defence that Chelsea does.

[TheStig]

It will be interesting though, to see the reaction of the fans, manager and players, when we lose our first game.

Admittedly I do think Sheff Utd could cause us problems, Warnock is no mug and will have his team fired up and ready for us. Hopefully they're lack of experience will help us.

I'm hopeful we can be the traditional first day "promoted team get thrashed" game.

[Nic83]

Mate, he meant, when we lose(to whoever it may be).

He didn't mean it in the context of, our first game of the season against Sheff. UTD!

[TheStig]

Who knows we might lose to Sheff Utd!

[Neil Young]

Look at the Chelsea side today. I saw something on SSN saying that once they'd gone behind, they were beaten most of the time.

Sounds like LFC until Benitez came. Pretty much throughout the Houllier era (and before) we could hardly ever come back, especially against teams who were content to sit on a 1 goal lead.

It was because we basically played a counter-attacking, long-ball style and had no Plan B once we went behind. Now I'm not saying that, for all Mourinho's childish digs about LFC now, Chelsea play pretty boring football and rely almost exclusively on getting ahead and then counterattacking...

...OK, yes I am saying that really.

[Mumsafan]

Who knows we might lose to Sheff Utd!

I'm fed up of drawing on the opening day.

[Nic83]

Indeed.

Fortunately, i think we will give them a "Hello to the premiership" ROASTING.

[rubyred]

Good post, and I think you're right.

It's a long time since I have felt as if we will DEFINATELY win the Prem. Ok at the start of every season you hope, but this season it is different. The fans feel it, and so do the players.

The new players that have been brought in have addressed the areas where we had a weakness. Pennant is a real good buy, putting crosses in to the box and with Kuyt and Bellamy, plus Fowler we have some top-notch strikers there to meet them.

The added speed that these players have brought, plus the likes of Gonzales will make a huge difference, starting from tomorrow.

Can't wait for it all to start!!

[Kopite_Colin]

I would love us to put down a marker and beat Warnock's lot 4 or 5-0. That would really make one or two sit up and take notice. But we need to follow it with 4 or 5 wins on the bounce at the start of the Prem.

[Nic83]

Hmmm.

Slow start, lets leave it at that!